Abstract
A near-field edge-coupled photoconductive free-space linear tapered slot antenna has been constructed as a planar alternative to the standard photoconductive switch coupled to a silicon substrate lens. The temporal response along the optical axis is investigated to ensure the structure itself does not introduce pulse distortion which would fundamentally limit the usefulness of the structure. Experimental results show that a 1.6 THz bandwidth with a ≈50dB dynamic range is achievable with the new structure which is comparable to our reference experiment with a standard silicon substrate lens. The investigated structure has the added benefit of a potential substantial physical size reduction and can also be used to excite waveguides in the near-field.
Highlights
Terahertz photoconductive (PC) switches have existed for a number of years and were investigated as early as 1984 [1]
A near-field edge-coupled photoconductive free-space linear tapered slot antenna has been constructed as a planar alternative to the standard photoconductive switch coupled to a silicon substrate lens
The temporal response along the optical axis is investigated to ensure the structure itself does not introduce pulse distortion which would fundamentally limit the usefulness of the structure
Summary
Terahertz photoconductive (PC) switches have existed for a number of years and were investigated as early as 1984 [1]. Extensive research was pursued in freespace antenna design and optimization At this point two approaches appeared for collimating the generated THz field: guided-wave electronic antennas [2,3,4,5,6] and optical lensing from a point source [7, 8]. The work completed by [2,3,4] uses substrate slotline and coplannar strip antennas These antennas function admirably but distort the temporal response due to reflections and the refractive index mismatch on the guiding interface. In [5, 6] the undesired effects associated with the substrate are mitigated by using a slotline antenna on a thin dielectric membrane This method functions well but has several issues: the resulting antenna is delicate, manufacturing requires harsh etchants, and the conductor loss is relatively high. The main issues associated with substrate lenses are: pulse attenuation and dispersion, lens manufacturing, alignment, physical size, and cost
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
